The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has partnered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA Japan) and ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) to develop a new programme to help counter piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.

The newly launched Capacity Building Executive Programme is designed for senior-level personnel with at least ten to 15 years of experience in maritime enforcement.

ReCAAP-contracting parties from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as representatives from Indonesia and Malaysia, are set to participate in a ten-day long training session as part of the initiative, which takes place from 27 September this year in Singapore and Japan.

The programme is also expected to help build capacity, improve information sharing and boost cooperation among the ASEAN enforcement authorities.

It will also cover various topics such as trends and developments in piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia, in addition to best practices regarding the sharing of information.

Furthermore, best practices in the law enforcement and prosecution against piracy and armed robbery against ships, as well as emerging maritime threats such as cybersecurity, maritime terrorism and others will be discussed.

"Through the Capacity Building Executive Programme, we want to build on this momentum to enhance capability, augment information sharing and strengthen regional cooperation."

ReCAAP ISC executive director Masafumi Kuroki said: “Incidences of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia have been on the decline in recent years.

‘Much of this is the result of enhanced information sharing and more effective enforcement by the coastal states.

“Through the Capacity Building Executive Programme, we want to build on this momentum to enhance capability, augment information sharing and strengthen regional cooperation as we collectively work towards making seas in Asia safer and more secure for all.”

In addition, the programme will comprise field visits to major maritime facilities such as MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre and the Singapore Police Coast Guard’s Brani Base, various Japan Coast Guard facilities and the Japan Coast Guard Academy.

Image: Speakers and participants of the inaugural Capacity Building Executive Programme. Photo: courtesy of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.